Russian Warships Depart Cuba After Military Drills Amidst Tensions with US and Ukraine

A fleet of Russian warships, which included a nuclear-powered submarine, departed from Havana's port on Monday after a five-day visit to Cuba following planned military drills in the Atlantic Ocean.

Exercise Amid Tensions

The exercise has been seen by some as a show of strength by Moscow against the backdrop of tensions as U.S. and other Western nations support Kyiv in Russia's war on Ukraine.

Fleet's Departure

The submarine, a frigate, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug slowly departed from the port on Monday morning. Their next destination and the location for their next docking in the Caribbean remains unclear, although U.S. officials suggested that the vessels could possibly stop in Venezuela.

Officials with the Biden administration stated that they were monitoring the vessels and confirmed that they did not pose a threat to the region or indicate a transfer of missiles. Still, the United States docked a submarine, the USS Helena, at its Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

Russian Ministry of Defense

Last week, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the fleet successfully conducted military drills in the Atlantic Ocean, simulating a missile attack on targets that could be more than 600 kilometers away.

Reception in Havana

The fleet, including the frigate "Gorshkov," the nuclear-powered submarine "Kazan," the tanker "Pashin," and the tug "Nikolai Chiker," was received in Havana with a 21-gun salute. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the frigate on Saturday and interacted with the sailors.

Response from Cuban Officials

Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío rejected the presence of the American submarine at Guantanamo Base, stating it was unwelcome and uninvited.

Visitor Response

On Thursday, a day after arriving, hundreds of people lined up to visit the frigate. The ship was also open to the public on Saturday, which is a common practice when vessels arrive at the port.